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Pope Leo XIV's Real Name: Robert Francis Prevost
Pope Leo XIV's real name is Robert Francis Prevost.
Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. A member of the Augustinian order, he spent many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru, and later led the Vatican office that oversees the appointment of bishops.
He was elected pope on May 8, 2025, after the death of Pope Francis, becoming the first pope born in the United States. He chose the name Leo, which has been linked to Pope Leo XIII, whose writings in the late 1800s founded modern Catholic social teaching on workers' rights.
As with all popes, his papal name is the one used in official church documents, while his birth name remains Robert Prevost.
FAQ
Is Pope Leo XIV American?
Yes. He was born in Chicago and is the first U.S.-born pope.
When was Pope Leo XIV elected?
May 8, 2025.